Is It Time to Replace Your Air Conditioning System?

Maybe, maybe not. Truth is, there isn’t a simple answer to this question. Depending on who you ask, you may have heard that 12-15 years is the average lifespan of HVAC equipment. There is some logic employed into that expiration date. Depending on overall usage and how well the system has been maintained throughout its lifetime, mechanical deterioration may have set in at that point. Parts wear out, coils degrade, and efficiency is reduced. At this point, you may be on a first name basis with your A/C repair person. But… 12-15 years isn’t a one size fits all rule. I have personally seen 20+ year old systems that look and operate as well as the day they were installed. I’ve been asked by the owners of said equipment if they should replace it purely due to its age. My response? “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” However, there’s always something to be said for being proactive rather than reactive, but it does hurt to see perfectly operating, well maintained equipment pulled out of someone’s home when the only crime it’s committed is years of dependable service. So, if I’m telling you that age should not be the determining factor, what is?

The rationale I’ve always operated with when posed that question is a fairly straight forward formula: Is it worth fixing or not? What is the most cost-effective option? If we have been to your home at least once every year to fix a new problem on your system, at what point would that money be better spent toward a permanent solution? (System Replacement). Sometimes a quick visual assessment is a good start. Rust, corrosion, damaged coils, and prolonged unaddressed refrigerant leaks all have negative effects on your HVAC equipment, but more importantly, your pocket book. If your system is found to have a leak, the leak should be fixed before it damages other components. Your air conditioner is fighting an uphill battle when any of these issues are present. The unit’s whole purpose in life is to absorb and reject heat. The harder it has to work to do that, the longer the run times, which equates to higher operating costs and more wear and tear. The question then becomes: Can I ever get this system back to peak efficiency and at what cost? An added negative aspect to older equipment is that manufacturers may have stopped producing replacement parts for them, we are facing that a lot currently. So first, ask yourself, can I get the necessary parts for repair? If the answer is no, then replacement is probably inevitable.  If the answer is yes, there’s still the possibility that the future only holds higher than necessary electric bills and repetitive repairs. Budgetary leaching that would be better spent toward new, much more efficient equipment.

Another common occurrence that I come across is wanting to wait until it’s absolutely necessary, i.e. the system is down and cannot be fixed. Oftentimes it’s the hottest or coldest time of the year when this happens. You’ve now lost the luxury of time. Gathering quotes, comparing brands and SEER2 ratings, and finding the most value for your money goes out the window in lieu of paying more to whichever company can get there first. That’s not a position you want to find yourself in. Most companies offer free estimates for system replacement. There is no obligation to purchase, the only cost is your time. Arm yourself with information in preparation for when the day inevitably comes. Doing so will help you from being blindsided with an expensive home repair you weren’t ready for. Additionally, you will feel more confident in the brand, efficiency rating, warranty, and contractor you choose to install the equipment. If you are unsure of whether or not your own system has reached the end of its efficient service life and would like an honest assessment, give CURRENT a call, we are here to help!